Centrifuge Maintenance & Safety: A Practical Guide for Lab Teams

A centrifuge spins several kilograms at thousands of x g — respect it, maintain it, and it will run safely for 10+ years. This guide condenses the routine we recommend to every customer.

Before every run

1. Balance loads to within 0.1 g. Opposing buckets must match in weight, not just volume.
2. Inspect the rotor and buckets for cracks, corrosion or residue. Never run a damaged rotor.
3. Check the rotor nut is tight (see our repair video library).
4. Close tubes and aerosol-tight lids when working with biohazards.

Weekly

• Wipe the chamber with a mild detergent; avoid chlorine-based cleaners on stainless rotors.
• Check the door seal and interlock function.
• Verify the actual vs. displayed speed with a tachometer if your QA program requires it.

Monthly / quarterly

• Remove and clean rotors; dry completely before storage, upside down to prevent condensation.
• Lubricate swing-bucket pivots with the supplied grease.
• Inspect motor brushes (brushed motors) or schedule the annual brushless-motor inspection.
• Log every check — auditors ask for the record.

Common faults and what they mean

Symptom	Likely cause	Action
Imbalance alarm	Uneven load or worn bucket	Re-balance; inspect buckets
Excess vibration	Rotor not seated, bent shaft	Stop immediately; call support
Not reaching set RCF	Wrong rotor selected in program	Verify rotor code
Chamber not cooling	Condenser dust / low refrigerant	Clean filter; book service

Safety rules that are never optional

• Never open the lid until the rotor has fully stopped.
• Never move a running centrifuge.
• Keep the area around the unit clear; maintain 30 cm ventilation clearance.
• Decontaminate after any tube breakage involving biohazardous material.

Javenlab provides lifetime technical support, original spare rotors, adapters and seals for every model we ship. Contact our service team or browse replacement rotors and accessories.